NFL plans on pushing draft to May

The NFL is considering delaying the draft until May. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

BOSTON — Imagine three more weeks of mock drafts and incessant speculation on the draft by fans and media around the country.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday that the NFL is planning to move next year’s draft to mid-May and start the league year before the Indianapolis scouting combine.

The NFL Players Association wants to give teams more time to sign free agents. The league year began on March 12 this year. The combine began on Feb. 20. Because so many veterans haven’t signed with new teams or re-signed with their previous teams, the union believes the problem might be cured by having a longer period for free agency.

The league doesn’t have to get union approval to move the draft. It does have to get the NFLPA to sign off on changing the start of the league year.

The combine could be moved back but not far enough to compete with March Madness.